Bootcamp for the mind & soul

That’s a loaded question, right? You may be thinking to yourself… “Well, who does live their life purpose?” and “How do I know what my life purpose is?”

I get it. I used to ask the same questions.

For at least 20 years I did not live my life’s purpose and I built a career I didn’t love because, well quite frankly I trapped myself with affluence and a lifestyle that I enjoyed. I worked in the Financial Services industry, which did not especially interest me, however I was headhunted which resulted in gaining a role in an industry which I had no passion for. And, as a workaholic with a strong work ethic, I achieved lateral moves and promotions which culminated in an ascent up a corporate ladder which I wasn’t sure I wanted to climb. I climbed the ladder because I could, and therefore I thought I should.

Although I was successful in my career, I faked a sense of interest in my various positions. Most of the time I was bored. Extremely busy, but bored. At most of the internal meetings that I attended I would sit there wondering why everyone was so keen on the subject being discussed. I kept thinking there must be more to life than this.

I was recently at an event and I bumped into a few people who I used to work with. They asked me how my new career path was going, and I replied with enthusiasm that I love my career and that I am really pleased I have found my purpose in life.

One of the ladies responded flatly… “That is so inspiring, I wish I could do that”.

I eagerly responded that she too could follow her dreams - that I do not have any special super powers that she does not have…. to which one of her colleagues countered, “Oh, you’re talking to a bunch of lifers, we’ll be working here forever”.

Another one of her co-workers chimed in “Yah, I am a total lifer”.

A gentleman to her right added“Me too, I was just thinking the other day that I have not had more than two weeks off at a time since university, but like they just said, we are all lifers”.

I could not believe it. I don’t think even in my darkest moments during my career that I ever saw myself as a lifer. Can you imagine going to work every day thinking that you were a lifer? It sounds like a prison sentence. How would you reconcile that with yourself? Well, at least I get two weeks off for good behaviour once a year…

I tried to pump up my former colleagues with enthusiasm to follow their aspirations but eventually I gave up and departed the event shortly thereafter. They were victims of their own limiting beliefs and were not willing to adjust their mindset no matter how much I challenged them to do so. They had sold themselves the story that they were lifers and that was the story they were sticking to.

My message to you?

Please do not be a lifer! If you do not love your job or have a passion for it, and have the option to make changes, then develop a strategy and craft a mission to discover your purpose and follow your dreams. Being a lifer does not serve you, nor does it serve the company you are working for.

My Lesson:

Listen to your inner wisdom and if you feel the desire to change careers, follow your passions and build a new career. Do not build a career for money or recognition because no amount of money or recognition will erase the disheartening and demoralising feeling of doing something you do not want to do. I guarantee it.